What happens when you change the name on your registration
When you change the name on your car registration, you are updating the official record that the state keeps about who owns the vehicle. This is not the same as changing the title — the title is a separate document that proves ownership, and it may need to be updated at the same time depending on your state and your situation.
The process itself is straightforward: you submit a form to your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency, along with proof of the name change and sometimes proof of ownership. The DMV processes the request, issues a new registration card with the new name, and sends it to you by mail. How long this takes varies by state — some process it in a few days, others take several weeks.
You will need this updated registration if you are selling the car, if you got married or divorced and changed your legal name, if you changed your name through a court order, or if there was a mistake on the original registration. Driving with an outdated registration that does not match your current legal name can create problems during a traffic stop or when you try to renew your registration later.
Key Takeaways
- You must submit a form to your state's DMV along with proof of your legal name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
- The registration and the title are separate documents, and some states require you to update both while others only require the registration to be updated.
- Processing time varies by state but typically ranges from a few days to several weeks, depending on whether you submit in person or by mail.
- You will need your current registration card, vehicle identification number (VIN), and proof of ownership (like your current title) when you submit the request.
- Some states allow you to change the registration name online or by mail, while others require you to visit a DMV office in person.
Gather the documents you need before you start
The exact documents required vary by state, but most DMVs ask for the same core set. You will need your current vehicle registration card, your vehicle identification number (VIN — this is on your registration and on the dashboard of the car), and proof of your legal name change.
Proof of a legal name change typically means one of the following: a certified copy of your marriage certificate if you took your spouse's name, a certified copy of your divorce decree if you changed your name back after divorce, or a certified copy of a court order if you changed your name through a legal proceeding. Some states accept a driver's license showing the new name instead of the certified document, but do not assume this — check your state's DMV website first.
You will also need proof that you own the vehicle. This is usually your current title, but some states accept a bill of sale, a lease agreement, or a registration card in your name. If someone else's name is on the title, you may need their signature or consent, depending on whether the title is in both names or just one.
Make copies of everything before you submit it. Keep one set for your records and submit the originals or certified copies as your state requires. If you are submitting by mail, send copies, not originals, unless your state specifically asks for the original document.
Submit the form through your state's DMV
The form you need is usually called a Registration process, process for Registration, or process for Title and Registration — the exact name depends on your state. You can find it on your state's DMV website, or you can call the DMV and ask them to mail it to you. Most states also let you read and print the form directly.
Fill out the form completely, including your old name and your new name, your VIN, and your current address. Some states ask you to list the reason for the name change (marriage, divorce, court order, or error). Sign and date the form where indicated — some states require your signature to be notarized, so check the form instructions before you sign.
You have three options for submitting the form: in person at a DMV office, by mail, or online through your state's DMV portal. In-person submission is usually the fastest — you can often walk out with a temporary registration the same day and receive the permanent card by mail within a week or two. By mail typically takes two to four weeks. Online submission, where available, usually takes one to two weeks.
If you submit by mail, include a check or money order for the registration fee — this varies by state but is usually between $15 and $50. If you submit in person, you can usually pay by cash, check, or card. Do not send cash by mail.
Understand the difference between registration and title
Your registration and your title are two different documents that serve different purposes. The registration is what you keep in your car — it proves that you have the right to drive the vehicle on public roads and that you have current insurance. The title is a separate document that proves you own the vehicle, and you typically keep it at home or in a safe place.
When you change your name, you must update your registration. Whether you also need to update your title depends on your state. Some states automatically update the title when you update the registration. Others require you to submit a separate form to update the title. A few states do not require you to update the title at all unless you are selling the car.
Check your state's DMV website or call the DMV to find out whether you need to update your title separately. If you do, you will submit a similar form with the same documents. Some states let you update both the registration and the title with a single form and fee; others charge separate fees and require separate submissions.
What to do if the name on the title does not match the registration
If you update your registration but the title still shows your old name, you may run into problems when you try to sell the car or renew your registration. A buyer's lender will not accept a title that does not match the seller's current legal name. Your insurance company may also flag the mismatch and ask you to update it.
If this happens, contact your state's DMV and ask what form you need to update the title. Most states have a separate Title process or process for Duplicate Title that you can submit with proof of your name change. The process is similar to updating the registration — you submit the form, proof of the name change, and a fee, and the DMV mails you a new title with your current name.
Some states process title updates faster if you submit in person. If you are planning to sell the car soon, updating the title in person at a DMV office is usually worth the trip, because it can be ready within a few days instead of several weeks.
Handle name changes on titles with multiple owners
If the title lists two names — yours and someone else's — the process is more complicated. You cannot unilaterally change the title to remove the other person's name or to change only your name. Both owners must agree to the change and usually both must sign the form.
If you are married and the title is in both names, and you changed your name after marriage, both you and your spouse will need to sign the form to update the title. If you are divorced and the title is still in both names, you will need to go through a separate process to remove the ex-spouse's name — this usually requires a certified copy of the divorce decree and may require the ex-spouse's signature or a court order.
If you are unsure whether you can change the title on your own, call your state's DMV and describe your situation. They can tell you whether you need the other owner's signature or consent, and what documents you need to provide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive the car while my registration is being updated?
Yes, as long as your current registration is still valid. You can continue to drive with your old registration until the new one arrives. If you submit in person, some states issue a temporary registration document that you can use when ready. Check with your DMV about whether a temporary registration is available in your state.
What if I changed my name but the title is in someone else's name?
You cannot change the title to your new name if someone else owns the vehicle. The title must match the legal owner. If you are buying the car from that person, you will need to complete a transfer of ownership, which is a separate process from a name change. Contact your DMV for information about transferring a title into your name.
Do I need to update my insurance when I change my registration name?
Yes. Contact your insurance company and tell them your name has changed. Provide them with a copy of your new registration or your proof of name change. Your policy should be updated to match your current legal name, and your insurance card should reflect the change.
What if I made a mistake on the form?
If you submitted the form by mail and realize you made a mistake before the DMV processes it, call the DMV when ready and ask if they can stop the request. If they have already processed it, you will need to submit a correction form or reapply. If you submitted in person, ask the DMV staff to correct the mistake before you leave the office.
How much does it cost to change the name on my registration?
The fee varies by state and typically ranges from $15 to $50 for a registration update. If you also need to update the title, there is usually a separate fee for that, which can range from $10 to $30. Check your state's DMV website for the exact fee in your state.